Meeting Owl - Getting Started

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Task: This article provides some basic instruction for using Owl webcams

This quick start guide walks through starting a class using an owl in a few steps. If you would like to have your own copy, you can download a PDF version found under the Attachments box on the right-hand side of this article.

Instructions:

Getting Started with the Meeting Owl

Use a Meeting Owl with this guide to conduct meetings in rooms that are not Zoom-capable.

If you choose not to use an Owl in such rooms:

Remote participants won’t see the people in the room
Remote participants won’t hear the people in the room
And, the people in the room won’t hear remote participants. The Meeting Owl remedies this by connecting your computer to the Owl’s integrated 360° video camera, internal microphones and speakers.

Set up your mobile device

Search for "Meeting Owl" on the Apple Store or Google Play Store or follow the links below on your mobile device. The Meeting Owl app is not available for desktop Operating Systems.

Connecting to a nested Owl
In order to control the Meeting Owl, you will have to enter a pass code for the device. The pass code is 6 digits. Using the Meeting Owl number, the pass code will the Owl's device # repeated twice. For example, of the device is labeled "145" then the pass code will be "145145".

Use the following video to help continue setup of the Owl:

Using the Owl with Zoom

1. Plug the USB cable into the base of the Owl and the other end into your laptop, laptop adapter, or USB hub for the built-in computer if the room contains one.

2. Plug in the power adapter and wait until the Owl’s eyes stop pulsing and you hear a hoot.

3. Attach the Owl to the tripod being careful not to over tighten.

4. Connect your computer to the projector. Use an adaptor if needed.

5. Activate the projector from the touchscreen and share your screen

6. Open Zoom and select Schedule, Join or Start with video, or follow your Zoom invite link to join a meeting.

7. Click on Join Audio Conference by Computer.

8. Click on the Up arrow to the right of the Microphone icon on the bottom left of your screen. Select the Meeting Owl as both the microphone and speaker.

9. Select the Up arrow to the right of the Camera icon on the bottom left of your screen. Select the Meeting Owl as the Camera.

10. Start your meeting.

https://owl-labs.helpscoutdocs.com/article/159-how-to-start-a-meeting-in-zoom-on-your-owl

Use of Room Sound Reinforcement

If you are using the room's sound reinforcement equipment in conjunction with the Owl in your classroom, you must lock your Owls camera area on where you will be presenting from. If you leave the Owl in auto tracking mode, it will only focus on the physical speaker equipment projecting sound rather than the actual Instructor.

Placement of the Owl in a Classroom: Whiteboard Use

It is recommended to set the Owl on a tripod about 4-6 feet from the whiteboard and use the following best practices. See Diagram A below for additional guidance on placement.
- Lock the camera on the whiteboard·
- Use a new marker, preferably black
- Write in a large size, 3 or 4 inches high·
- Reduce glare from windows by drawing shades
- Reduce glare from overhead lighting by dimming to a comfortable level for you and your students
- Ensure the Owl is face onto the area you are writing on. This may require you to move it if you are going to be using a great deal of the whiteboard. Although the camera will capture much of the whiteboard, writing that is not directly in front of it may be difficult to read.
- Ensure that all cords connected to the Owl do not present a trip hazard.

Placement of the Owl in a Classroom: General Lecture and Group Discussion

Generally speaking, if whiteboard use is not going to be necessary, place the Owl as close as possible to the center of the group that will be interacting . This includes in a proximity to you as the instructor and as allowable so that there can still be a computer connection. Ensure that all cords connected to the Owl do not present a trip hazard. See Diagram A below for additional guidance on placement.

Diagram A

Screen Content Sharing

The Owl works best if you share your computer screen rather than trying to capture the projected image on the classroom projector screen with the Owl’s camera. It is NOT recommended to try and capture the projector screen in the room.

Audio

Because of mask and face shield use, it is necessary to speak clearly and possibly at a greater volume than you are used to. The Owl’s microphone works best at picking up audio from up to 18 feet away. The following are recommended best practices for both instructor and student for clear audio recording.

As an instructor:

Remain as close to the Owl as your teaching style allows
Speak clearly and loudly, especially if at a distance from the Owl
Pause often to prompt distance students for any questions
When answering questions from students, repeat the question as the student may be too far from the Owl for it to pick up their voice clearly

As a student:

Speak clearly and loudly, especially if very distant from the Owl, such as in the back of the classroom
State your name when asking a question
It is recommended that remote students wear headphones/headsets or earbuds for best audio quality

Video

The Owl has a 360 degree camera that will show your entire classroom in one frame (note that this may be turned off in the app). In the other frame, it will auto-track whomever is speaking or you may choose to share/record your screen. You may also lock the tracking camera in one place. Below are best practices for capturing classroom activities.

Remain as stationary possible and try not to pace quickly back and forth a lot. Although the camera will track your voice, there may be a delay that could be distracting to remote participants
Utilize the Meeting Owl App for Pano Toggle and Locking Camera view field
You will need to be speaking clearly and loudly for about 20-30 seconds for the Owl’s camera to relocate you via auto tracking should it have focused on a student asking a question or there was a quiet section of class.
Disengage the 360 pano view when possible as to make the video field less distracting

Using Owl with Microsoft Teams

1. Plug the USB cable into the base of the Owl and the other end into your computer.

2. Plug in the power adapter and wait until the Owl’s eyes stop pulsing and you hear a hoot.

3. Attach the Owl to the tripod being careful not to over tighten.

4. Connect your computer to the projector. Use an adaptor if needed.

5. Activate the projector from the touchscreen and share your screen.

In the Microsoft Teams main window, click your profile picture in the top right of the window then select Settings from the drop-down menu.
Devices from the menu on the left.
Meeting Owl as your Audio devices (Speaker & Microphone).
Scroll down to Camera.
Meeting Owl as your Camera
Select the participants you would like to call from either the Chat, Teams, or Calls menu on the left.
Select the video icon to start your call.